NBA Appeal Panel (Western Zone) Clears Ezumezu To Contest For Social Secretary Of Warri Branch, Orders Election Committee To Proceed With Elections

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has directed NBA Warri Branch to proceed to conduct its scheduled elections.

This is contained in a statement signed by the NBA Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq., dated 27th day of June, 2020 which was made available to TheNigeriaLawyer.

The NBA direction is sequel to the resolution of the Appeal Panel of Western Zone which resolved the appeals lodged by Michael A. Asugo , the Chairman of the Branch, David U. Ezumezu and Nyerhovwo Ohre, Esq.

Besides, it was noted that the eligibility criterion of having three meetings for a member to contest is valid and in line with the discretion of the NBA President.

Furthermore, it was noted that David U. Ezumezu is eligible to contest for the position of Social Secretary while the appeal filed by Oyerhovwo Ohre, Esq., is not proper for being out of time.

In light of the above, NBA has therefore directed the conduct of the Branch election.

The statement reads:

RE: NBA 2020 BRANCH ELECTIONS: APPEALS PANELS

The Panel (Western Zone) considered appeals by (1) Michael A. Asugo (Chairman Warri Branch); (2) David U. Ezumezu and (3) Nyerhovwo Ohre, Esq. and made the following findings:

1. That the employment of three (3) attendance at meetings within the past one (1) year as criteria for eligibility to vote was an exercise of discretion by the NBA President and the branch may wish to comply with the extant provisions of the Uniform Bye-Laws which stipulates five (5) meetings.

2.That David U. Ezumezu in compliance with Article 15 (4) of the Uniform Bye-Laws paid his Branch Dues for 2020 and eligible to contest for the position of Social Secretary. However, he failed to prove that the Election Committee was not constituted in compliance with Article 10 (3) of the Uniform Bye-Laws.

3. That Oyerhovwo Ohre, Esq. filed an appeal dated 15th June, 2020 while his complaint was against a decision made on 24th May, 2020 contrary to the directive limiting appeals to be made within 24 hours of the decision complained against.

The Panel recommended that David U. Ezumezu is qualified to contest for the position of Social Secretary and the Election Committee be directed to proceed and conduct the scheduled election into the Branch Offices. The recommendations are accepted.

You are by this letter directed to request the Election Committee to proceed and conduct the scheduled election.